Most Relaxing Resorts In The United States

Whether it means relaxing on a sandy white beach, engaging in stimulating outdoor activities or simply doing nothing at all, most everyone needs to take time off to unwind. Not only is taking time away from the daily grinds essential to maintain one's physical and emotional health, it may also increase job performance after the vacation is over. One of the best ways to get away from it all is to embark upon a relaxing trip away from crowds and heavy traffic and into calmer, more peaceful destinations. The following are five of the most relaxing resorts in the United States.

Lake Austin Spa Resort
1705 S. Quinlan Park Road
Austin, Texas  78732
(512) 372-7300
www.lakeaustin.com/spa-resort

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If napping in a stylish hammock, participating in a yoga class or enjoying award-winning spa services sounds appealing, guests will enjoy a relaxing visit at Lake Austin Spa Resort. Located less than an hour's drive east of Austin, this luxury resort is noted for winning several travel awards, including No. 1 U.S. Destination Spa by Condé Nast and No. 3 Spa Destination in the World by Travel+Leisure. Per-person rates for all of the 40 guest rooms include daily gourmet meals and unlimited fitness activities. Among the 20 activity options available at the resort are cardio and dance classes, pilates and yoga, personalized fitness assessments and cooking sessions from nationally recognized chefs. The luxury spa also offers other outdoor activities such as water skiing/wake boarding and group kayaking on scenic Lake Austin for an additional fee.

Ocean House
1 Bluff Ave.
Watch Hill, R.I. 02891
(401) 584-7000
www.oceanhouseri.com

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Recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the world's top beach resorts, the enchanting Ocean House lies on the southwestern-most point of Rhode Island. The five star resort has 49 lavish guest rooms, 14 signature suites (including the three bedroom penthouse) and two charming cottages. Ocean House boasts a world acclaimed 12,000-square-foot spa featuring spa treatments, an elegant hair salon, salt-water lap pool, fitness center with classes and a yoga studio. Also on the sprawling property is a 650-foot private beach, luxury cabanas for the ultimate in relaxation, a putting green and several dining options, such as the Seaside Terrace, Verandah and a specialized Farm + Vine program.

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Red Mountain Resort
1275 E. Red Mountain Circle
Ivins, Utah 84738
(877) 246-4453
www.redmountainresort.com

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Amid mountains of contrasting Earth colors just outside of Snow Canyon Park in southern Utah lies the incomparable Red Mountain Resort. Recently voted as the Top Destination Spa from Travel+Leisure's World Best Awards, the 55-acre resort offers 82 spacious guest rooms and 24 villa suites. Red Mountain offers a number of fitness and wellness programs, like fitness workshops, cardio workouts, yoga and flexibility classes, and a dazzling outdoor lap pool. The resort's award-winning Sagestone Spa and Salon provides a variety of services, such as massages, body treatments, in-room treatments and skin care.

Sea Island
100 Cloister Drive
Sea Island, Ga. 31561
(855) 572-4975
www.seaisland.com

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Sea Island is a luxurious five star resort distinguished as this year's top two resorts in the continental U.S. by Travel+Leisure. In addition to the two Forbes Five Star properties, the Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club and The Cloister, Sea Island offers more than 600 cottages and condominiums, the Broadfield Sporting Club and Lodge, five star-rated spas, a squash and tennis center and three championship golf courses. The spa and fitness center is among the nation's most prestigious spa facilities, with an impressive menu of services including massage, skin care and spa packages. Guests can also take advantage of the many outdoor activities to unwind, such as water sports, horseback riding, boating and fishing. Sea Island even offers a Falconer's Retreat that showcases hunting techniques of raptors including hawks and Peregrine Falcons.

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Travaasa Hana
5031 Hana Highway
Hana, Hawaii 96713
(888) 820-1043
www.travaasa.com/hana

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Named the No. 1 resort spa in Hawaii by Condé Nast and No. 1 boutique hotel by Hawaii Magazine, Travaasa Hana is also tops for comfort and relaxation in the Hawaiian Islands. Located in the town of Hana, on the eastern edge of Maui, the resort offers all-inclusive and á la carte packages for its spacious accommodations, in addition to an array of spa treatments such as deep tissue massage, body treatments and waxing services. Guests may also relax at the resort's beautiful pool or wade out into the warm ocean waters, both just steps away. Outdoor activities at Travaasa Hana include trail rides, air gliding, yoga classes, circuit training, lei making and traditional hula dance instructions.

Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.